Landscape Architect Articles

LASN October 2010 Outdoor Living: Over The Edge10-15-10 | News

Over The Edge

By Scott Cohen, The Green Scene

On opposite sides of the pool, gentle streams of water pour from two generous concrete scuppers that coordinate with the fire bowls. These water features add sound and visual interest without disturbing the reflective quality of the pool. The scuppers perch on slightly elevated platforms and are beautifully reflected in the pools mirror surface.
Images courtesy of Scott Cohen, The Green Scene

Overlooking California?EUR??,,????'?????<

A bridge crosses the pool to an outdoor living-room with a large wood burning fireplace as its focal point.

The owner wanted to make a bold statement in a backyard with Mediterranean style and plenty of ?EUR??,,????'?????<

Make sure that when designing a yard for entertaining, keep pathways and bridges wider than three feet to allow for two-way traffic?EUR??,,????'?????<

The property was a natural for a vanishing edge pool. We framed this one with two massive fire bowls that create a substantial anchor on each side of the waterline. A round perimeter overflow spa on the opposite side sits nearly level with the water giving bathers a perfect vantage point for appreciating this ?EUR??,,????'?????<

The circular spa, almost level with the pool water, doesn?EUR??,,????'?????<

If using a vanishing edge design, make sure it will accentuate a view the client loves. There?EUR??,,????'?????<

Make sure the kitchen area is shaded during the day and properly lit at night. Having food preparation going on with bad lighting is unsafe, of course, and can distract from the cook being able to also participate with the party in the surrounding areas.

Night lighting is a major component of a quality outdoor living room design. Think about safety first by lighting your walkways. Light focal points using up lighting techniques. Use down lighting to accent columns or dining areas. Show interesting surface textures with a ?EUR??,,????'?????<

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Design Tips

Do Not Disturb
Be careful adding a water feature to a vanishing edge pool. Make sure it won?EUR??,,????'?????<

No Wake
In infinity pools, always use a diverter on returns in the floor so you don?EUR??,,????'?????<

Smooth Circulation
Use a skimmer at the upper levels for leaf collection along with two pumps: one for circulating the upper pool and one for circulating the overflow edge. New energy efficient variable speed pumps allow you to set the pump at the lowest speed and still get water movement.

Get Edge-Icated
The more precisely level your edge detail, the less water you?EUR??,,????'?????<

A Burning Issue
A hot cocktail dress is one thing; but if it?EUR??,,????'?????<